KUCHING: Archives play a vital role in safeguarding public rights, preserving collective memory and strengthening Sarawak’s claims through factual and authentic records.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations), Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali who stated this said
the preservation of archival materials must therefore remain a priority.
Records, documents and historical materials serve as important foundations for understanding Sarawak’s administrative journey and development across generations, she pointed out.
“The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is an extremely important document in the history of Malaysia’s formation. It not only forms the basis of Sarawak’s participation in the Federation of Malaysia, but also serves as the primary reference in strengthening Sarawak’s position, rights and interests,” she said at the opening ceremony and forum of International Archives Week 2026 at Pustaka Negeri Sarawak here Monday (June 22).
According to her, this year’s theme, Archives for Justice: Rights, Memory & Futures, highlights the importance of archives as institutions that preserve documents, uphold justice and build a knowledge foundation for future generations.
“Through archives, we are able to trace the history of administration, the struggles of past leaders, community development and the rights that must be preserved and defended,” she said.
Hasidah noted that the forum provides a platform for constructive and scholarly dialogue among policymakers, legal practitioners, archival institutions, academics and the public to discuss Sarawak’s role in strengthening its rights and claims under MA63.
She stressed that archives are not merely repositories of national records, but also serve to ensure that the rights of the people and the state can be substantiated through well-organised, preserved and accessible records.
“Without preserved records, any claim can easily be challenged. Without preserved memory, future generations may lose important references needed to understand their history, rights and responsibilities,” she added.
She urged all parties to continue supporting the preservation and strategic digitisation of archival materials to ensure Sarawak’s important documents can be utilised for research, administration, transparency and the state’s future development.
